Zero Focal Shift in High Numerical Aperture Focusing of a Gaussian Laser Beam through Multiple Dielectric Interfaces

Abstract

In this paper, focal shift of a Guassian laser beam tightly focused through several planar dielectric interfaces is discussed. It is shown that the focal shift and focus point can be changed by variation of refractive index mismatch and this shift could be positive or negative, and it is proportional to refractive index mismatch between coverglass and immersion medium. It is shown also that for every immersion medium(coverglass), focal shift could be removed for a continuous range of depths by choosing a coverglass (immersion medium) with appropriate refractive index.